Slag is the glass-like by-product left over after a desired metal has been separated (i.e., smelted) from its raw ore. Slag is usually a mixture of metal oxides and silicon dioxide. However, slag can contain metal sulphides and elemental metals. Slag is generally used to remove waste in metal smelting.

The best and the brightest from the cement industry were present at the 9th edition of the International Exhibition, Conference & Awards organised by INDIAN CEMENT REVIEW, the first and only magazine exclusively devoted to the sector. This year, the theme of the meet was ´Infrastructure to drive cement demand.´

Industry veterans, head honchos, thought leaders, policymakers and market analysts were all present under one roof for the second edition of the Indian Cement Review Awards 2016. They cheered the achievements of their peers and came away with actionable ideas that will surely transform the cement industry in the times to come.

The Egyptian cement industry is the world´s 12th largest and a vital economic force supporting the construction and building sector that accounts for nearly five per cent of Egypt´s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The last few years have been a challenging time for the cement industry. Overall, profitability for the industry has dropped by about 10 per cent since FY 13. While price realisations have been flat, there has been significant cost pressure with both selling and distribution costs as well as energy costs increasing by 5-10 per cent.

With almost 390 MT capacity, at utilisation levels of close to 70 per cent, and with demand and price under pressure, the key for the survival of all cement players - regional or national - is cost-competitiveness.

For more than three years, overcapacity has shadowed the Indian cement industry and it continues to wait for the good days that it was expecting post the general elections of 2014. Though there are a few signs of improvements, the expectations from the industry are far removed from the ground reality.

The distribution of cement to the end user from the manufacturer is a major cost factor in the landed cost of cement at the user´s end. Approximately 30-35 per cent of the cost of cement can be attributed to the cost of distribution, which begins at the gates of the cement facility.

Power is a critical component of infrastructure, crucial for the economic growth and welfare of a nation. The existence and development of adequate infrastructure is essential for sustained growth of the Indian economy.